Already offered on Volvo's C30, S40 and V50 T5 models, the R-Design option is now available on the XC90 3.2, D5 and V8 models as well as the V70 T6.

The R-Design option enhances external and interior visual impact with a range of specially designed elements to further enrich and enliven the Volvo product offering.

“The possibility of tailoring one’s car to suit personal tastes is becoming increasingly important to car buyers today. R-Design has been developed for buyers who want a sporty look for their cars,” said Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service for Volvo Cars Gerry Keaney.

Volvo V70 T6 R-Design
The new Volvo V70 T6 R-Design is imbued with a sportier essence via its unique 18-inch Cratus alloy wheels and lowered, sports-tuned suspension comprising higher-rated anti-roll bars and bushings. The V70 T6 R-Design sits 20 mm lower at the front, and 15 mm lower at the rear than the standard V70 T6.

The R-Design styling gives the V70 a sportier look too, with a colour-matched rear spoiler, matt satin finish grille and exterior mirrors and 90 mm chrome exhaust pipes. The R-Design V70 T6 declares itself with a special badge set into the grille.

Inside, R-Design customers gain the added comfort of extra side bolstering in the two-tone leather sport seats.

A leather-rimmed R-Design steering wheel, new instruments with blue inserts, a sports shift lever and the use of unique aluminium trim on areas such as the centre stack and floor pedals give the R-Design V70 a decidedly exclusive appearance.

From XC90 V8 Sport to XC90 V8 R-Design
The expansion of the R-Design offering across the XC90 range will also see the XC90 V8 R-Design replace the XC90 V8 Sport.

The XC90 V8 R-Design is fitted with Volvo’s Dynaudio Premium Sound system, complete with 12 speakers and six-stack CD player, as well as Bi-Xenon headlights with washers, Auto Dim rear view mirror, Rain Sensor wipers and the Interior Air Quality System (IAQS).

The XC90 V8 R-Design also gains an aggressive quad exhaust system giving a pleasing, sportier sound.

The Volvo XC90 V8 R-Design model utilises the enhanced suspension from the XC90 V8 Sport, with higher-rated anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, sports-tuned speed-dependent steering and larger 19-inch alloy wheels. All this complements the V8’s self-levelling Nivomat suspension system that is also part of the R-Design package.

In addition, the XC90 V8 R-Design features sports seats with additional lateral bolstering, two different, complimentary grades of leather with contrasting piping, silk matt-finish that replaces chrome trim, unique brushed stainless steel sill mouldings, sport steering wheel and perforated leather shift knob, chronograph-style instruments and sports carpets with contrasting piping.

The R-Design XC90 can be further individualised with optional larger, 20-inch alloy wheels.

R-Design: a distinct essence of personalised dynamism
The broadened availability of R-Design Volvos brings focus to Volvo’s developing of a distinct, dynamic and personalised image for its range of cars.

“R-Design is entirely in line with the accelerated focus on making our cars more extrovert and emotional. It gives the buyers the opportunity to spice up the already distinct personality of these car models,” said Senior Vice President and Design Director for Volvo Cars, Steve Mattin.

The R-Design option is $3,700 for the C30, S40 and V50 models, $4,175 on the V70 and $6,000 on the XC90 range. The R-Design option incorporates the following elements:

C30, S40, V50 R-Design

• Bodykit with spoiler
• Exclusive 17" R-Design alloys on the C30, S40 and V50 (18" available on C30 for $1,600)
• Twin chrome exhaust
• Satin matt finish to side mirrors and grille
• R-Design Ultrasonic trim
• Sports steering wheel, gear shift knob and pedals
• R-Design embossed off-black Vulcaflex upholstery and cream leather seats
• R-Design instrumentation
• R-Design floor mats with contrasting piping

V70 R-Design

• Lowered chassis (20 mm front; 15 mm rear)
• Colour-coded rear spoiler
• Full leather sports seats with embossed R-Design logo
• Exclusive 18" R-Design alloys
• Twin 90 mm chrome exhaust
• Satin matt finish to side mirrors and grille
• Sports steering wheel, gear shift knob and pedals
• R-Design instrumentation
• R-Design floor mats with contrasting piping

XC90 R-Design
In addition to the R-Design elements outlined for the C30, S40, V50, the XC90 R-Design incorporates the following:

• Higher-rated anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, sports-tuned speed dependent steering
• Dynaudio Premium Sound
• Bi-xenon lights with washer system
• Auto dim rear view mirror
• Rain sensor wipers
• Interior Air Quality System
• Quad exhaust system
• Exclusive 19" R-Design alloys (20" alloys are available for $1,600)
• Leather sports seats
• Satin matt finish to side mirrors and grille
• Sports steering wheel, gear shift knob and pedals
• R-Design instrumentation
• R-Design floor mats with contrasting piping